WATERVILLE – The Waterville Police Department announced Friday that stepped-up enforcement efforts with regard to seatbelt and OUI laws during the holiday season has commenced and will continue until the new year.

The department received more than $6,000 in grant funds from the Bureau of Highway Safety this fall, according to a press release from Charles J. Rumsey IV, deputy chief of police. The intensified enforcement effort against drunk drivers as part of the nationwide “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign will put additional officers on the street, either staffing roadblocks or on patrol.

The grant will also be used to fund a number of multi-officer seatbelt enforcement details as well as single officer patrols. On Monday, Nov. 17, a detail of four officers set up operation on city streets and issued 30 citations to drivers who were not properly secured in safety belts.

One of the benefits of a multi-officer seatbelt detail, according to Chief Joseph Massey, is that it is a high-visibility effort. “We have another detail scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24,” Massey said. “Motorists in town that day should expect to see lots of blue lights flashing. If you are not wearing your seatbelt, you can expect to see those lights flashing in your rearview mirror.”

Waterville police said they are hopeful that word of stepped-up enforcement will lead to motorists making the choice to buckle up and to choose a designated driver during the upcoming holidays, as well as throughout the year.